1. Thinking Beyond Described Video with Integrated Described Video (IDV)
Chris O’Brien Accessibility Officer - AMI

2. We are Accessible Media Inc (AMI)
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted
Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI- audio in English and AMI-télé in French
AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through accessible media, reflection and portrayal
Description experts
We are unique as a broadcast entity: I believe we are the only broadcaster that is mandated to carry 100% of its broadcast content with description. And we accomplish this using open descriptions – which are always on. This
We have been designated a must carry service by our regulatory body the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

3. Described Video = Audio Description
To get on the same page regarding terminology, and avoid confusion – audio description is referred to as described video in Canada.
In Canada our regulatory body, the CRTC, has separate definition for audio description: defining it as methodology for describing live news type programming
The term described video, or DV, refers to the narrated description of a program's main visual elements, such as settings, costumes or body language. DV provides essential story information in an audio format, enabling television programming to be more accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted.

4. What is IDV?
Form of description incorporated throughout the duration of a production
Pre, production, and post production phases
Script, narration / voice over, soundtrack eg. environmental audio and SFX
Analogous to radio productions of from the early-mid 20th century

5. IDV Principles

6. Universal Design

7. Everybody gets the same information at the same time

8. Everybody gets the same information in the same way

9. Why is IDV necessary?

10. Often times I don’t want to burden my family with having to watch TV with the description on, so I wait until later and watch by myself
We have a research panel consisting of over 1200 people from our primary demographic that we regularly conduct research to ensure we are hitting the mark
The following quote was taken from a previous
-- Research Panel Member

11. Why IDV? Methodology Improvements
Provide a naturally descriptive programming
Promotes inclusion universal design approach
Other Benefits
Everyone gets the same information at the same time
Single file format simplifies transmission / distribution
Why IDV?

12. DV vs IDV Methodology Showdown!
Reactive
Executed after final produced media
Second voice
Separate delivery format
Proactive
Executed throughout entirety of production
Natural integration of description
Single delivery format

13. Example time!

14. Show Me Your Art

15. For Reals

16. Production process Script writing / preparation Sound design
Post production: Rough cut / fine cut / picture lock
Audio post
Quality control (QC) – happens throughout

17. Script writing Ask yourself – what am I trying to describe?
Anticipate potential disparities in the experience for viewers and rectify in writing
Dialogue, Voice over, and sound effects (SFX) are tools to convey information

18. Preparation
Preparation of cast, crew, interviewers / interviewees, etc ahead of shoot can save time.
For scripted content, consider script walkthrough with cast. Identify potential problem areas for shoot and strategize solutions
Plan keys ahead of shoot - information on lower thirds to ensure visual information can be communicated verbally when shown on screen.

19. Sound design
Extremely important and underutilized tool in description.
Happens throughout process
Be cognizant of shoot locations and potential unwanted noises which can causes distraction and confusion
Background noise can be used to provide context. Avoid annoying or overpowering audio - can take away from overall user experience
Capture high quality sound – avoid compression

20. Production
Approach as if creating a radio production – don’t assume visuals will adequately convey all information.
Avoid ambiguous language eg “this”, “that”, “here”, “there”, gesturing to objects without clarification
Introduce locations where necessary, this can help people identify ambient sounds
Shoot multiple takes of each scene. Provides options in editing.

21. Post-production Editing phase
Assembly, rough cut, fine cut, picture lock
Highly iterative process leveraging production notes to shape edit process
Identify disparity in experience and edit accordingly
Do not mix DV and IDV!

22. Audio post Picture lock Identify and remove / fix ambiguous sounds
If sound cannot be removed it needs to be explained in some way – eg .VO
Manipulation of audio palette, sfx, that add context

23. Quality control (QC) Happens throughout production
First run through, watch with eyes closed / screen curtain. Identify gaps and areas of confusion (hard to do this after you've seen it)
Watch again with visuals
Make notes (w/ time codes) as guide identifying
Identify areas where key visual information is not provided aurally

24. What’s Next for IDV? Expansion of IDV into:
Broader range of programming
Live Events
Online video production
Academia
Reference Materials
IDV how-to video series
Best Practices Guides
What’s Next for IDV?
There are many other areas where we feel this methodology can help to improve accessibility and inclusion in general

25. Thank You